Therapy Programs

Physical Therapy

The physical therapy department is involved in many aspects of life at The Mary Campbell Center. We develop programs to enhance the resident's flexibility, transfers, standing balance, walking, and wheelchair driving skills. The department is also responsible for wheelchair evaluations and training. We instruct on the use of various therapy equipment, which include braces and ambulation devices to enhance a resident’s safety and independence, as well transfer and repositioning equipment for care. With nursing, P.T. problem solves and takes a proactive approach to prevent skin breakdown.

The P.T. department is involved with training in-services for employees to maintain safe and healthy work habits relating to transfers and handling of residents. P.T. oversees the restorative nursing program which is specific and tailored to meet the needs and/or desires of the resident. They currently include walking with appropriate devices, use of various standers, range of motion and other specific exercise.

The P.T. department treats residents who require skilled physical therapy care. We provide mobility and stretching exercises to the residents with the most challenging orthopedic and neuromuscular presentations. We provide gait and balance training. We have implemented a floor positioning program where residents can get out of their wheelchair on a mat to stretch out.

Occupational Therapy

The occupational therapists at The Mary Campbell Center assist residents to be as independent as possible throughout the MCC environment. Therapy is provided to maximize residents’ skills with activities of daily living (ADLs), including self-feeding, dressing, hygiene, and grooming activities. Residents may also work on home management skills, such as laundry, bed-making, or cooking. Specialized adapted equipment is provided to residents as needed to enhance their independence with ADLs.

The occupational therapists also work with residents to maximize independence in their rooms. Rooms are individually set up for each resident for greatest accessibility. The OT staff can help residents learn to use their call bells, safes, room lights, telephones, televisions, computers, etc. A remote control elevator system is also available for use by residents who cannot access a traditional elevator button.

In addition to teaching ADL skills, OT staff provides programming in a variety of other areas, including range of motion, strengthening, fine motor skills, sensory stimulation, and adapted
leisure activities. Residents who work outside of MCC may be evaluated to assist them in maximizing their independent work skills. And, if a resident chooses to live outside of MCC,

the OT staff will evaluate the new living arrangements to ensure that the resident will be successful with their transition out of The Center.

Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy is structured for the needs of the individual and relaxation is promoted by the quiet environment, aroma therapy, subdued lighting, and soft music of the Massage Studio. The therapist may also use the Snoezelen Room, where the residents can experience the multi-sensory environment while lying on the heated waterbed for their massage.
Healing Touch and Reiki help support physical, emotional, mental and spiritual self-healing and well-being. Side effects can include decreased pain, increased wound healing, decreased anxiety and mood stabilization.

Healing Touch and Reiki use gentle light or near-body touch to clear, balance, energize and support the human energy system in an effort to promote healing for the whole person: mind, body and spirit.

Speech Therapy

Residents receive traditional speech therapy to improve their speech intelligibility and
expressive/receptive language skills. These residents often learn techniques to make their speech better understood, to help them organize their thoughts into words or to help them think of the words they want to say. Speech therapists have expertise in augmentative and alternative communication devices and assistive technology options. Services include maintenance of devices, device programming, assessment for appropriate devices, securing funding, and teaching residents, staff and family members how to use the equipment.

The speech therapists play an integral role in the development and implementation of meal guidelines which are developed for each resident to ensure their safety and enjoyment at meals. Residents with identified swallowing impairments are closely monitored by the speech therapy department. Family members wishing to help feed residents are required to learn the most effective and safe techniques from the department.

Aquatics and Physical Development

In 1985 The Mary Campbell Center opened the Joseph J. Picciotti, Jr. Hydrotherapy Center. The Aquatic and Physical Development programs operate in this state-of-the-art facility. A moveable hydraulic floor covers a 25,000-gallon pool well and can be lowered into the water with the push of a button. This allows for easy access into the water for those residents in wheelchairs who would be unable to enter using the stairs. The moveable pool floor is adjustable from depths as low as a few inches, all the way to four feet - the ideal working depth for aquatic activities. The experienced Aquatics Staff assists the residents in a wide array of individualized programs utilizing water weights, flotation devices, and games. The Hydrotherapy Center is also equipped with a hot tub/spa used for muscular relaxation. Access to both the hot tub and pool is facilitated with ceiling mounted lift systems. Residents also participate in Physical Development programs. Two universal weight lifting machines designed for strength training and various equipment used for aerobic training, provide The Mary Campbell Center with an all around unique exercise facility. Community members with disabilities also have the opportunity to use the pool and hot tub at The Center.

The Nursing Restorative Program is conducted by RCT’s with oversight from Nursing, Physical and Occupational Therapy, to sustain or improve a resident’s physical functioning. Objectives include performing joint range of motion for upper and lower extremities, and standing exercise including walking for ambulation tolerance and endurance for those who are weight-bearing. This strengthening program is a key component of health and wellness for those residents who are able to participate.